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Saudi Arabia Launches Project to Manufacture Unmanned Aircraft Systems

Visitors are seen at Saudi Military Drone manufacturing stand during inauguration of Bahrain International Defense Exhibition and Conference at the Bahrain Exhibition Center (Reuters)
Visitors are seen at Saudi Military Drone manufacturing stand during inauguration of Bahrain International Defense Exhibition and Conference at the Bahrain Exhibition Center (Reuters)
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Saudi Arabia Launches Project to Manufacture Unmanned Aircraft Systems

Visitors are seen at Saudi Military Drone manufacturing stand during inauguration of Bahrain International Defense Exhibition and Conference at the Bahrain Exhibition Center (Reuters)
Visitors are seen at Saudi Military Drone manufacturing stand during inauguration of Bahrain International Defense Exhibition and Conference at the Bahrain Exhibition Center (Reuters)

The Saudi General Authority of Military Industries (GAMI) is coordinating with the INTRA Defense Technologies to manufacture unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).


The project will be operational during the first quarter of 2021, with an expected investment amounting to $200 million.

The Authority aims to build an innovative technological base regionally and internationally to ensure maintenance, manufacture, and localization of unmanned aircraft systems.

INTRA, a Saudi company licensed by GAMI, will secure a number of categories of advanced and unmanned aircraft systems in tasks that are highly competitive in terms of technology and cost.

GAMI Governor, Eng. Ahmed al-Ohali, said that the project for the maintenance, manufacture, and localization of unmanned aircraft systems reflects the general strategy of the authority.

The project also aims to achieve the strategic goal of the Kingdom of localizing over 50 percent of its military spending by 2030.

Ohali added that the Authority seeks to enable the sector of military industries in Saudi Arabia to become a major tributary of its economy and a major contributor to providing employment opportunities for Saudi youth.

The governor confirmed there was a number of local manufacturers of the private sector interested in the field, noting that 25 companies operating in the field of military industries have been given licenses by the GAMI so far.

INTRA Defence Technologies is a private high-tech company which designs, develops, manufacture, and fully supports innovative Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), as well as all related sub-systems, which are ITAR-free, to customer and partners around the globe.

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Saudi Government Calls for Private Sector Involvement to Enhance Vision 2030 Reports

King Abdullah Financial Center in Riyadh (Asharq Al-Awsat)
King Abdullah Financial Center in Riyadh (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Government Calls for Private Sector Involvement to Enhance Vision 2030 Reports

King Abdullah Financial Center in Riyadh (Asharq Al-Awsat)
King Abdullah Financial Center in Riyadh (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Saudi government has directed greater private sector involvement in shaping the content of Vision 2030 communications and reports, according to sources who spoke to Asharq Al-Awsat. The goal is to amplify the impact of the annual Vision 2030 reports by making them more comprehensive and directly relevant to the business community.

The Strategic Management Office in the Saudi Royal Court has invited private sector stakeholders to review the annual Vision 2030 report to raise awareness of governmental achievements. Businesses are encouraged to provide feedback to ensure that future reports are more impactful and valuable for their audience.

The initiative aims to gather feedback on whether the current report format effectively delivers information relevant to the business sector. It also seeks input on the balance between general achievements and sector-specific details, as well as insights on the report’s accessibility and usefulness to business audiences.

According to the sources, the government is also evaluating the level of transparency in the report, particularly in showcasing progress and achievements. Stakeholders are being asked to suggest areas of focus for future editions to make the reports more comprehensive and relevant to their needs.

Additional proposals include enhancing collaboration between the Vision 2030 communications team and Saudi chambers of commerce to better report on progress and achievements to the private sector. Furthermore, the government is exploring the inclusion of practical success stories from businesses that have played a role in achieving Vision 2030 goals.

Since its inception, Vision 2030 has worked to identify and address challenges facing businesses. Significant reforms have been implemented to remove barriers, ensuring the private sector can fulfill its vital role in driving economic growth.

Efforts have included reforms to streamline the business environment, enhance the quality and efficiency of government services, and digitize processes. Additionally, numerous programs, initiatives, funding platforms, and business incubators and accelerators have been launched to support the private sector.

The Vision 2030 annual report for 2023 highlighted strong program performance, with 87% of the year’s 1,064 initiatives either completed or on track. Among the 243 key performance indicators (KPIs) identified, 81% of third-level KPIs met their targets, while 105 exceeded future targets set for 2024–2025.

The report also noted that non-oil gross domestic product (GDP) reached SAR 1.889 trillion, compared to a baseline of SAR 1.519 trillion. The 2023 target was SAR 1.934 trillion, with the ultimate Vision 2030 target set at SAR 4.97 trillion.

Private sector contributions to GDP increased to 45%, meeting the 2023 target and surpassing the baseline of 40.3%. The long-term Vision 2030 target is 65%.